Catherine A. Bernard leads knowledge management strategy and AI-driven innovation for the firm’s litigation practice in the United States. She builds the systems, tools, and data infrastructure that enable lawyers to deliver consistent, high-quality, and cost-effective service. Catherine’s work focuses on the design and deployment of knowledge management and GenAI solutions that enhance litigation workflows, decision-making, and client service. She also oversees development of the group’s core knowledge assets and data-driven resources.
Catherine partners with practice group leaders, case teams, and innovation and technology stakeholders to integrate AI and advanced technologies into everyday litigation practice. She develops scalable frameworks that operationalize legal knowledge through GenAI and has led the creation of a suite of custom, task-specific AI assistants tailored to litigation functions. Her work includes development of the Federal District Court Case Hub, a comprehensive database of real-time, substantive information on more than 2,000 McDermott Will & Schulte federal district court matters since 2016; and the Arbitrator & Mediator Data Hub, a searchable repository of neutrals sourced from firm experience. The Case Hub was recognized with the Litigation Technology and Innovation award at the 2026 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards.
Catherine brings previous experience working as a practicing litigator for 14 years, during which time she represented Fortune 500 clients in complex commercial disputes before federal and state trial and appellate courts. Her background enables her to apply strategic legal judgment to the design of AI-enabled solutions, anticipate litigation trends, and build tools that improve both the quality and efficiency of client service.
Catherine is co-author of “Legal Process Innovation and Process Mapping” in Practising Law Institute’s Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations, and is a frequent speaker on AI, knowledge management, and legal innovation, including at Legalweek, Inside Practice’s AI x KM, and ARK Group’s conference KM in the Legal Profession, which she hosted in 2024. Catherine also maintains an active pro bono practice representing refugees in asylum proceedings and serves on the board of directors of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.
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